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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24340, member: 2262"] MP's Fake PhD Scandal Reveals Web of Academic Deception. Zimbabwean lawmaker Shacky Timburwa faces mounting scrutiny after claims he purchased a fraudulent doctorate from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2023. The 31-year-old politician attended a staged ceremony in November, bought academic regalia, and posed for photographs. He later claimed on LinkedIn that the degree represented "years of hard work, late nights, and endless research." UNISA officials confirmed they never awarded Timburwa a doctorate. The ceremony was part of a scam targeting individuals from Zimbabwe and Malawi seeking academic credentials. The scheme was traced back to Isaiah Brian Sovi, an internet personality who received his own fake UNISA degree in 2020. Sovi convinced Timburwa to travel to South Africa for the fraudulent ceremony. Evidence shows Timburwa continued using the "Dr" title into 2024, appearing at a Thematic Lecture as "Hon. Dr. Shacky Timburwa." His website maintained the false credential through February 2025. Further investigation revealed additional misrepresentations. Timburwa claimed to hold a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe, but university records show no such graduation. A hired reputation manager admitted Timburwa provided false information for his Wikipedia page. The politician's earlier accolades are being questioned. Sources report he paid a local curator to secure his spot on Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list during the pandemic. Forbes.com launched an investigation into the matter. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission might pursue legal action if evidence shows Timburwa benefited financially from his false academic claims. The University of Zimbabwe considers potential disciplinary measures. Timburwa maintains he fell victim to fraud. Yet his continued use of unearned credentials after learning of the deception raises serious concerns about his integrity as a public official. [/QUOTE]

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